Rookies get a late-game learning experience

The two rookies on the Rockets roster both saw a few minutes of action in Saturday’s preseason loss to New Orleans.

Robert Covington played 12 minutes and scored four points. Isaiah Canaan played seven minutes. He had one rebound.

Headed into the game, both talked about being anxious to play in their first NBA game.

“We are both from smaller schools (Covington, Tennessee State; Canaan, Murray State) so this is really big for us to be getting to play at this level,” Covington said.

The two said that they had tried to pick up everything they could in training camp.

“The hardest part is the pace of the game,” Canaan said. “Everything is a lot faster at this level.”

The two combined from three turnovers in the final seconds of the game.

The Rockets ended up losing 116-115.

“That was a tough situation, but I am glad coach left them in there,” Dwight Howard said. “That is a good learning experience for them and the only way we will be good is if everyone is good. That was a good thing for them to learn right away, how to be in a close game at the end of a game.”

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Oct. 5: Pelicans 116, Rockets 115

Pelicans power forward Anthony Davis gets a hand in the face from Rockets center Dwight Howard.

Oct. 5: Pelicans 116, Rockets 115

Pelicans power forward Anthony Davis gets a hand in the face from Rockets center Dwight Howard.

Rockets forward Ronnie Brewer is fouled by Pelicans point guard Jrue Holiday during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game at Toyota Center on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle ) less

Rockets forward Ronnie Brewer is fouled by Pelicans point guard Jrue Holiday during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game at Toyota Center on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Rockets small forward Omri Casspi scores two of his 20 points on 9-for-10 shooting with dunk.

Rockets small forward Omri Casspi scores two of his 20 points on 9-for-10 shooting with dunk.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Rockets forward Ronnie Brewer dives for a loose ball.

Rockets forward Ronnie Brewer dives for a loose ball.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Rockets center Dwight Howard tries to block a shot but was called for goal tending.

Rockets center Dwight Howard tries to block a shot but was called for goal tending.